Can opener and dispenser



Nov. 5, 1957 F. ALLEN 2,81 CAN OPENER- AND DISPENSER Filed May 3, 1956 )5 Fig. 2

Frank Allen I INVENTORQ United States Patent 2,812,112 CAN OPENER AND DISPENSER Frank Allen, Joplin, Mo. Application May 3, 1956, Serial N 0. 582,463 1 Claim. (Cl. 222-85) The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in openers particularly for motor oil cans, and has for its primary object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, novel means whereby such containers, after being opened, may be conveniently held in one hand and the content poured in a sanitary manner.

Another very important object of the invention is to provide an opener and dispenser of the character described comprising novel means for mounting the device on the can.

Still another important object of the invention is to provide an opener and dispenser of the aforementioned character comprising means for venting the can for ensuring the free discharge of the oil or other fluid therefrom.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a can opener and dispenser of the character set forth which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong, durable, compact, of light weight and which may be manufactured at low cost.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawing forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a view in vertical section through a motor oil can, showing an opener and dispenser embodying the present invention mounted thereon;

Figure 2 is a view in front elevation of the device;

Figure 3 is a View in horizontal section, taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 1; and,

Figure 4 is a detail view in perspective of the front end portion of the device.

Referring now to the drawing in detail, it will be seen that the embodiment of the invention which has been illustrated comprises a bar 5 of suitable metal which is adapted to be mounted diametrically on the usual top 6 of a conventional motor oil can which is designated generally by reference character 7. Depending from the ends of the bar 5 are spaced, parallel front and rear guides 8 and 9, respectively, for the reception of the upper portion of the can 7 therebetween. Struck from the guide 8 is a barb or tongue 10 which is engageable beneath the usual bead 11 of the can 7 for anchoring the forward end of the bar 5 to said can. Depending from the guide 9 is a resilient handle 12 which terminates, at its lower end, in a hook 13 which is engageable beneath the usual bead 14 on the lower end of the can 7 for anchoring said handle thereto. The construction and arrangement is such that the handle 12 and the hook 13 are tensioned when said hook is engaged beneath the bead 14.

Fixed in an opening provided therefor in the forward end portion of the bar 5 is an upstanding pouring spout 15 of suitable metal which terminates in a forwardly curved upper end portion 16. The spout 15 extends through and below the bar 5 and has its lower end beveled in a manner to provide a tubular punch 17 for penetrating the top 6 of the can 7. A sealing ring or gasket 18 is provided on the punch 17 below the bar 5. If desired, a suitable cap may be provided for closing the upper end of the spout 15.

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A resilient arm 19 of suitable metal has one end portion pivotally secured, as at 20, to the bar 5 at an intermediate point. The arm 19 terminates in an upwardly curved free end portion 21. Fixed beneath the arm 19 at an intermediate point and depending therefrom is a pointed punch 22 for forming a vent opening 23 in the top 6 of the can 7. The vent 23 is diametrically opposite the discharge opening 24 formed in the can top 6 by the tubular pouring punch 17. i

It is thought that the use of the device will be readily apparent from a consideration of the foregoing. Briefly, the bar 5 is positioned diametrically on the can with said can engaged between the guides 8 and 9. The bar 5 is then pushed downwardly for forcing the tubular punch 17 through the can top 6 in an obvious manner. The barb or tongue 10 snaps under the head 11 of the can for anchoring the forward end of the device thereto. The resilient handle 12 in then flexed or bent inwardly or toward the can 7 for causing the hook 13 to snap under the lower head 14, thus securely holding the device in position on the can. Downward pressure is then exerted on the resilient arm 19 for forcing the venting punch 22 through the can top. An opening 25 in the bar 5 accommodates the punch 22. Of course, to open the vent 23 the punch 22 is withdrawn by raising the resilient arm 19 and swinging said arm laterally on the pivot 20. The can 7 may now be lifted and tilted for pouring the content thereof through the discharge spout 15 by grasping the handle 12. To again close the can, the punch 22 is engaged in the vent 23 and a cap may be placed on the upper end of the spout 15. To remove the device from the can, the hook 13 is disengaged from the bead 14 and the handle 12, together with the bar 5, and swung upwardly for withdrawing the tubular punch 17 from the opening 24 and permitting disengagement of the barb or tongue 10 from the head 11.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will be readily understood and further explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

A can opener and dispenser of the character described comprising: a bar adapted to be mounted diametrically on top of a can, guides depending from the ends of said bar for the reception of the can therebetween, a pouring spout mounted on one end portion of the bar and including a tubular punch on one end for penetrating the can top, means for venting the can, and means for removably securing the bar in position on the can, the lastnamed means including a barb struck from one of the guides and engageable beneath the top bead of the can, a resilient handle depending from the other of said guides, and a hook on the lower end of said handle engageable beneath the bottom bead of the can.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,113,270 Werner Oct. 13, 1914 1,221,724 Hoack et a1. Apr. 3, 1917 1,380,662 Levi June 7, 1921 1,436,211 Sweet Nov. 21 1922 1,474,077 Grundhand et a1 Nov. 13, 1923 2,576,889 Partian ..Nov. 27, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS 476,658 Canada Sept. 4, 1951 

